Panthers PL too good for Lions

Winger Malo Solomona impressed with a try-scoring double but it wasn't enough to help the Vodafone Auckland Lions beat Penrith in tonight's New South Wales Premier League encounter at Mt Smart Stadium.

Solomona's second try right on halftime kept the home side in contact at 8-18 after Penrith had made a fast start.

And when halfback Marty Mitchell grabbed a try straight after the break, the Vodafone Auckland Lions were right back in it at 14-18.

But they faded midway through the second half as the Panthers reeled off three converted tries to win 36-14.